THE average adult will travel more than 18,000 miles around the world by the age of 40 – nearly seven times as far as their parents.

A study yesterday revealed the typical 40-year-old has been on at least 13 holidays abroad and 21 in the UK while their parents would have only visited five European countries, clocking up 2,653 miles.

The poll by British Airways High Life magazine found travellers are increasingly adventurous, with seven in 10 choosing destinations where they can experience unknown cultures and sights.

Abigail Comber, of BA, said: “We are seeing a change where children, teenagers and young adults are travelling further than their parents, experiencing new cultures and ways of living.”

Today’s adults have been to at least 13 different countries, including Turkey and America, and four in 10 claim they now travel more than ever.